Auckland, Latest Zealand – Schneider Electric has unveiled the EVlink Pro DC 720, a high-power direct current fast charging system designed to meet the growing demands of New Zealand’s expanding electric vehicle (EV) fleet market. Targeting commercial sites, public charging hubs, and fleet operators, the system promises to significantly reduce charging times and support the simultaneous charging of multiple vehicles. This launch comes as New Zealand, like many nations, accelerates its transition to electric transport, moving beyond early adopters to a phase requiring robust and scalable charging infrastructure.
The EVlink Pro DC 720 delivers up to 720 kilowatts (kW) of power, capable of charging up to 12 vehicles concurrently. According to Schneider Electric, this capability is crucial for businesses and organizations managing large EV fleets, as well as public charging stations serving a diverse range of vehicles. The system’s arrival signals a shift in focus from simply providing charging access to ensuring that infrastructure can support the increasing scale of EV adoption in New Zealand. The need for such infrastructure is driven by rising demand from logistics companies and passenger transport operators who require high vehicle utilization and rapid turnaround times.
“As electric transport continues to gather pace in New Zealand, the focus is shifting from early adoption to infrastructure that can support it at scale,” stated Ollie Hill, Country President of Schneider Electric New Zealand. “We’re seeing growing demand from fleets and high-use sites, where reliability and the ability to charge multiple vehicles at once really matters. EVlink Pro DC 720 is designed for that next phase, helping organisations deploy high-power charging in a practical and efficient way.”
Addressing the Needs of Diverse Charging Scenarios
The EVlink Pro DC 720 is designed for a variety of locations, including depots, service stations, commercial car parks, and industrial sites. Its versatility extends to supporting a mixed fleet of passenger cars, buses, and electric trucks. Understanding the differing needs of fleet and public charging is central to the system’s design. Depot operators often prioritize predictable overnight charging schedules, while high-use fleets require rapid top-ups during operational shifts. Public charging hubs, must accommodate variable arrival patterns and dwell times, serving both individual drivers and commercial vehicle operators.
Higher-power charging units, like the EVlink Pro DC 720, demonstrably reduce the time vehicles spend connected to a charger. However, the actual charging speed is dependent on several factors, including battery size, thermal management systems within the vehicle, and the available electrical supply at the charging site. Operators must also consider the costs associated with grid connections, site layout constraints, and the number of charging bays they can realistically accommodate. Schneider Electric’s system aims to mitigate some of these challenges through its decentralized architecture.
Decentralized Architecture for Scalability and Efficiency
The EVlink Pro DC 720 utilizes a decentralized architecture, featuring a central power cabinet and remote dispensers. This design allows for up to six dispensers to be positioned within an 80-meter radius of the central cabinet. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for sites where vehicle bays are dispersed across a large area or where physical constraints limit the placement of all charging hardware in a single location. The decentralized approach also enables operators to incrementally add charge points around a single power cabinet as demand grows, subject to site design and electrical capacity limitations. Schneider Electric asserts that this design reduces the need for multiple grid connections, simplifies installation processes, and minimizes on-site noise pollution.
The system boasts an efficiency rating of 97% and incorporates dynamic load management capabilities. Dynamic load management intelligently allocates power across connected vehicles, optimizing charging speeds and preventing overload. This feature is crucial for maximizing the utilization of available power and ensuring a stable and reliable charging experience. According to Schneider Electric, this technology is key to reducing energy waste and lowering operational costs.
Lifecycle Services and Market Positioning
Beyond the hardware itself, Schneider Electric is offering comprehensive lifecycle services for the EVlink Pro DC 720, including installation support and tailored maintenance plans. As charging infrastructure becomes more heavily utilized, maintenance and uptime are increasingly critical for operators. High-power chargers, due to their complex power electronics, often require structured servicing, proactive spare parts planning, and continuous monitoring routines, especially at sites operating 24/7. These services are designed to minimize downtime and ensure the long-term reliability of the charging infrastructure.
New Zealand’s EV charging market is a dynamic landscape, encompassing network operators, fuel retailers, local councils, property owners, and fleet businesses. The market spans a wide range of charging solutions, from lower-power depot and workplace charging to high-power public charging stations along major transportation corridors and within urban centers. As fleets electrify a broader range of vehicle types, charging sites are increasingly needing layouts that can accommodate different vehicle sizes and parking patterns. For example, bus and truck depots may require drive-through bays and extended dwell areas, while mixed-use hubs need clear demarcation between passenger and commercial vehicle zones to prevent congestion.
Schneider Electric positions the EVlink Pro DC 720 as a solution for businesses, fleets, and charge point operators seeking scalable and efficient charging solutions. The company believes the system is well-suited to support the expansion of public, commercial, and fleet charging networks throughout New Zealand. Availability of the EVlink Pro DC 720 will be aligned with specific customer deployments, with initial projects anticipated at logistics sites, depots, service stations, and commercial parking facilities.
Understanding the New Zealand EV Landscape
The push for electric vehicle adoption in New Zealand is supported by government initiatives and a growing awareness of environmental sustainability. The New Zealand government has set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions, and the electrification of the transport sector is a key component of this strategy. In December 2023, the government announced the continuation of the Clean Car Discount scheme, providing financial incentives for the purchase of new and used electric vehicles. Energy and Resources Conservation Authority (ERCA) provides details on the scheme.
The increasing demand for EVs is driving the need for a more robust and accessible charging infrastructure. While the number of public charging stations in New Zealand has been growing, there is still a significant gap between the availability of chargers and the number of EVs on the road. The EVlink Pro DC 720 represents a significant step towards addressing this gap, providing a high-power, scalable solution for charging a growing fleet of electric vehicles.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) is also actively involved in planning and funding EV charging infrastructure. The agency has identified key corridors for the deployment of fast-charging stations, aiming to ensure that EV drivers can travel long distances without range anxiety. NZTA’s website provides information on EV initiatives and charging infrastructure.
The introduction of the EVlink Pro DC 720 is expected to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in New Zealand, particularly within commercial fleets. By providing a reliable and efficient charging solution, Schneider Electric is contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system.
Looking ahead, the deployment of the EVlink Pro DC 720 will be closely monitored by industry stakeholders. The success of the system will depend on factors such as grid capacity, installation costs, and the availability of skilled technicians. Further developments in battery technology and charging standards are also expected to play a role in shaping the future of EV charging infrastructure in New Zealand.
The next phase will involve pilot projects at various sites across New Zealand, allowing Schneider Electric to gather real-world data and refine the system’s performance. These projects will provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with deploying high-power charging infrastructure in a diverse range of environments.
Have your say! What are your thoughts on the new EVlink Pro DC 720? Share your comments below and let us know how you think this technology will impact the future of electric vehicle charging in New Zealand.